Travelling with a dog or two can be a joy - but there are also times when things don't go to plan and you and your four-legged friend find that a hotel you've booked to stay with doesn't seem to be the dog-friendly place you were hoping for.

Another bank holiday weekend is nearly upon us. If you are an arts and crafts enthusiast looking for inspirational activities with a creative bent then read on. Looking at William Morris, John Constable and Beatrix Potter we will tour the houses and landscapes that they lived in and loved.

You may think it strange that winter is my favourite season to visit Cumbria - but this is the time of year its' landscapes are most dramatic. Dawn mists rising over the lakes, crisp frost glistening on the heathers, and serene muted winter tones. It's breathtaking - sometimes, curiously haunting...

From the loveliness of our coastlines to the fabulous fields of the countryside, this country has much to offer - to visitors and residents alike. I only recently realised that I haven't seen nearly enough of it, spending my time travelling abroad more than I have around my home nation.

Ethical finance schemes such as community shares have saved hundreds of local shops, pubs, cafes, transport schemes and broadband projects from closure. They are particularly popular in remote areas such as Cumbria because of the challenges involved in making rural businesses succeed.